1999 Deerfield, Merlot, Russian River Vineyards, Russian River Valley, California, $35, 292 cases. Chocolate covered cherries, cedar, and tobacco leaf shake the senses to attention. Full and rich on the palate, the acidity is very defining and not for those looking for a soft, rounded wine. This will make a terrific BBQ wine. 90/89.

Looks like I should have gone further before posting the Merlot rec in the Italian folder. Anyway, I'd still recommend the Deerfield Ranch Ladi's Vineyard over their RRV Merlot, which we like very much also.